"I did," replied the Englishman, "through the main streets of this town; that is where my Indian training stood me in good stead; but it has ruined my character--most of the inhabitants look on me with suspicion." "Was your holding up of our train intentional?" "No," said Scarsdale regretfully, "it wasn't. There are lots of damages to pay, I assure you." "You must settle them with Lady Melton." "But what am I to do with the beast?" "My dear fellow," returned the Consul, "I've been your wife's devoted slave for the last two days, and I have restored her safe and sound to your arms, but I really can't undertake to manage your aunt's elephants into the bargain." "But at least you might advise me." "Turn him over to Cassim." "To whom?" "Why, to his own mahout, the little brown man who is dancing round him now. I discovered him tearing his hair at Southampton station, where he was left by mistake yesterday, and brought him along." "Then for heaven's sake make him get his beast off the line!" cried Scarsdale, dragging Allingford up to the native keeper. "My lord desireth his mid-day meal, and the sahib of the watch-tower hath it within," explained that functionary. "Tell his lordship that he'll have a great deal better dinner if he will go back to the square," said Allingford. Just what the mahout said to the elephant will never be known, but it proved convincing: for, with a grunt of dissatisfaction, the beast consented to retrace his steps. "And now that we have settled this little matter," said the Consul, "there is nothing left for us but to express our unbounded gratitude to--well, to the elephant for reuniting us all, and start once more on our honeymoons; for which this train is mighty convenient." "I have a word to say about that," cried the mayor. "I'm by no means satisfied about the ownership of this elephant. I've been given to understand that it belongs to Lady Melton. Is this so?" "Yes," said the Consul and Mr. and Mrs. Scarsdale. "No," said Mrs. Allingford, Carrington, Tom, and the original owner, in one and the same breath. "I say, Bob, did you steal it after all?" queried the graceless Richard. "I took it in payment of a debt," replied his brother hotly. "Only twenty pounds!" groaned the elephant man. "It's as good as a steal!" "And I gave it to Lady Melton," continued the Consul, "in payment for my board and lodging." "And she gave it to me," said Mrs. Allingford. "I lost my lord at the place of docks," wailed the mahout. "'E 'ired me to ride hit," cried Tom, indicating Scarsdale. "And what right have you to it, sir?" blustered the mayor, turning to that gentleman. "I don't know," replied Scarsdale. "I consider this most unsatisfactory," continued his worship. "I think I may define the actions of those who have had a hand in this affair as--ahem!--contradictory and open to question. I shall telegraph Lady Melton, and pending her reply I must detain you all as suspicious characters."